New Arc driver 32.0.101.8331 issues - more CPU overhead?

[djokitheking]

It would seem that the new driver introduced some CPU overhead, I'm getting higher CPU utilization and lower GPU utilization (tested in Cyberpunk). I've tested this with everything else turned off, ~0% CPU usage when game is closed (CPU is i5 13400f), before I could get 100+fps in Cyberpunk at lower settings now it won't go above 80-90fps, this is especially noticeable when running around the city. 

Also, before this driver update 20Gbps memory OC was completely fine, now it crashes immediately (stock 19Gbps works okay still). 

[VonM_Intel]

Hi djokitheking,

Thank you for posting in our Community and for sharing the detailed feedback regarding the new Intel® Arc driver version 32.0.101.8331. To help me investigate this more thoroughly, could you please provide a bit more information?

• Are you seeing the higher CPU usage consistently across multiple gaming sessions, or does it vary depending on the scene or workload in the game?

• Could you share your current in-game graphics settings and resolution when testing Cyberpunk?
• Are there any background applications running that might be using CPU during your tests?
• Could you provide the exact memory module model and any overclocking settings you applied?
• If possible, a short video or screenshot showing the GPU and CPU utilization while the issue occurs would be very helpful
• Have you observed similar behavior in any other games or workloads, or is it limited to Cyberpunk?

Additionally, I'd like to delve deeper and verify specifics like the graphics models, precise driver versions, and any system errors. Utilizing the Intel SSU tool will enable me to collect detailed information about your system setup, which could aid in identifying the underlying cause of this issue

Have a nice day!

Best regards,

Von M.
Intel Customer Support Technician

[djokitheking]

I've added screenshots to show cpu usage before starting the game, and in game screenshots with low and ultra rt presets. Ultra RT preset fps didn't drop much but the gpu usage is lower than before, low preset FPS dropped in half in some places. Idle cpu util is 0%, i have some kingston ram 18cl dual channel 8gb+16gb sticks  + 8gb+16gb sticks for total of 48gb running at 3600mhz(xmp). I've only tested cyberpunk after the driver update, tested few different places in the game, but I'll test more games later today. 

[djokitheking]

I've tested metro exodus enhanced edition; here are the screenshots of the settings and gameplay. Before the driver update GPU utilization was at ~99% now it's 80-90%. Fps just slightly lower.

[GTX]

I hope my comment was helpful. The 2025-11 Preview Update (KB5070311) (26200.7309) appears to address the overhead.

GeForce also released a hotfix driver for the Windows 11 October 2025 KB5066835 update due to performance degradation issues(581.94).

However, since it's a preview update, if you're concerned about stability, you might want to wait for the regular update on the second Tuesday of the month.

[djokitheking]

I just saw this, I'll test it out later, thank you for the info. 

[djokitheking]

Just tested it, it seems more stable now and the 20Gbps memory OC works fine now, still the CPU overhead seems to be there. 

[djokitheking]

Now I'm really confused. I tried installing the 32.0.101.8247 driver with clean install checked, and now It's even worse somehow??? This is with ultra rt preset, but no matter the settings I can't get above ~95 fps.

I'm pretty sure I had 100+ fps before at lower settings, I also found videos online of people getting 150fps in cyberpunk with this CPU (with other GPUs) so that shouldn't be a problem. What could be going on, am I missing something?

[djokitheking]

Metro exodus EE same thing now with the 32.0.101.8247 driver the performance is even worse. What is going on.